Category Archives: jewelry

Pr0nstars, often the best way to stretch your closet is by experimenting a little. Remember when you were little and played dress up? Take some time to pull things out of your closet, put them together in new and scary ways and take pictures. See what works.

Monday I had a fancy work conference to attend; not only were my suit pants in need of dry cleaning, but they’re in need of me losing this winter weight. :p Which was how I created my Outfit of the Day.

The best outfits come from experimentation

Here are the pieces that I worked with. I started with my new Marc by Marc Jacobs dress, bought on sale at Cusp. My normal instinct would be to put a cardigan over a dress, so I didn’t do that. Instead, I pulled out my charcoal gray wool crepe suit jacket from J. Crew.

A suit jacket in a neutral color can go with almost anything: pants, jeans, a skirt and even a dress apparently. I tried it because I knew the colors would work well together (pink and gray were so ’80s), and the suit jacket was fitted. A boxy suit jacket would have overwhelmed the dress.

I’ve been all about grey tights; they’re more fun than black, but don’t take you too far outside your comfort zone. These tights were more of a dove grey; I stayed in the same color family, just mixed shades. For instance, I could have put a bright pink cardigan over the light pink dress.

The shoes are Nordstrom’s Biala brand, and are actually a burgundy patent leather, but I couldn’t get a picture of that. Again, red/pink is in the same color family. The bag is my cheery new post-conference treat: a Dooney Bourke , which was 30% off.

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I have to share with you the story of this Laundry trench coat. If you’re a regular pr0n addict, you know I’ve been searching high and low for a new spring coat; I haven’t had once since I lost a bunch of weight. I’d looked everywhere online and hadn’t found anything I like.

Laundry Trench Coat

So this past weekend, Pr0nMom and I went to our local Giga-Mall. Out of default we started at Bloomingdales. Pickings were slim, but I spotted two trenches; one was white, and you know I am not the type of person to buy white things; the other was this one.

I tried it on, and Pr0n Mom and I both laughed, because it was perfect and completely in budget. When does that ever happen? Anyway, that’s the story of my new coat...

Banana Republic Chunky Necklace - My closet

Finally, since I wanted to keep the outfit from looking too conservative, I put on my chunky double-strand necklace from Banana Republic, bought a few months ago.

The necklace didn’t cost more than $40 or $50 and it’s been a great investment since it goes with everything.

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Conference Cutie?

I hope you’ll agree that this turned out to be a chic, fun way to look professional, but show a lot of personality.

Plus I didn’t buy anything specifically for this occasion. Everything that I wore here I’ve already worn lots of times, or I expect to wear lots of times.

Happy Pr0niversary to meeee! And you! And us! It’s a few days late, but we’ve been shopping together for two whole months now! It seems like just yesterday that this blog was just a gleam in my eye. They grow up so fast. To celebrate, I’m pulling together every sale, sales code, and sample sale invite in my arsenal and giving them all to you. I didn’t have time to wrap them all.

Smocked Detail Dress, £32/ $45.73 at Simply Be

It wouldn’t be a Pr0niversary without mentioning the very special offer we have in conjunction with Simply Yours and Simply Be.

Ignore the first-time buyer’s offer at checkout and use our exclusive code: KLUY4 for 20% off plus size fashion, lingerie, footwear and shapewear – good through April 15.

I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t show you this cream colored smocked cotton dress, with brown applique on it. Usually I’m not a fan of gladiator sandals, but I love the styling here. The dress is all cotton with cotton lining, sizes 14-32.

Narraganset Quinn

Why not treat yourself to a new spring handbag? They’re 30% off at Kate Spade; that’s right all of them. March 26-30 enter code SFF3263E and take 30% off your entire purchase, including sales items.

If you need a bright, colorful tote for spring do not wait to pick up this red Narraganset Quinn.

With a 6.5″ drop it’s definitely a shoulder bag and it’s wonderfully structured. Once $345, with 30% off it’s yours for $139.30 + $15 shipping...

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Thanks to my pal Grechen over at Grechens Codes, I found out about a 20% discount at American Apparel. One thing I appreciate AA for is their committment to a fair job at a fair wage with fair benefits; that’s a rarity in the garment industry.

Anyway, if you don’t mind their slightly unsavory ad campaigns, use code MISSYOU09 to take 20% off.

I’m a fan of their yoga/workout clothing, such as their cotton/spandex yoga pants. Like most of their clothing, they come in several different colors. Like pink!..

Banana Republic Silk Ruffle Dress, $67.99

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Now through March 29th (so get cracking), code EXTRA20 will save you an extra 20% off sales items at Banana Republic, where prices are generally reasonable anyway.

Your blogger highly recommends trying this lavender silk ruffle dress for spring. It’s such a classic shape and feel; almost 1940’s, and the color is quite flattering.

Just pay mind that the skirt may be clingy. Spanx are your friend. You want to be smooooooooth.

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Finally, I have a code for 25% off one regularly priced item Greenloop, which is filled with lovely organic and eco-friendly clothing, such as these to die for red faux-felt Cherub Pumps by Beyond Skin.

Beyond Skin Cherub Pump Faux Felt, $220 at Greenloop

Appease your inner environmentalist and your inner fashionista when you whittle the price down to $220 with code GL25A09, through April 5..

Onto the codeless sales:

Tulle Cardigan with Ruffle

I think I’ve shown you one thing from Tulle before, but I definitely haven’t shown you anything from their men’s side, Cloth Logic.

Right now, everything from both sites’ Spring I collection is 40% off. Tulle has adorable, feminine clothing with a retro feel, like this Cardigan with Ruffle. It’s only $36.00 and goes up to an XL in colors Scarlet and Lagoon.

I have to warn you that I just looked at the size chart and they are tiny. I almost think this has to be some sort of a misprint or it’s meant to be a Juniors line, or maybe it varies by article. An XL appears to be a 4/6? Do look carefully pr0n addicts.

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Cloth Logic Zip Up Sweater

Selection is limited over at Cloth Logic, but I’m a fan of this Zip Up Sweater with striped sleeves for $54. This doesn’t appear to have a size chart at all. Check the return policy and buy with caution.

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Robert Rodriguez Kimono Top, ShopBop $200.20

ShopBop is having a spring sale: “Buy now, Wear now”. Neither the selection nor the prices inspired me, but I did find a few gems, including this fashion forward kimono top by Robert Rodriguez.

Kimono tops are a bit of a throwback to the ’80s, but trust me, there were worse trends back then. This particular top comes in mild dahlia, and black charmeuse. I’d really like to see this on someone.

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Sweaters at Ann Taylor Loft are buy one get one 50% off, which isn’t a half bad deal (ha!)

Ann Taylor Loft Short Sleeve Flower Cardigan, $49.50

The Loft usually isn’t my style but this short sleeve cardigan with flower detail caught my eye. The shrunken fit makes for great layering, and the colors look like there’s something for everyone.

Ann Taylor Loft Puff Sleeve Square Neck Sweater, $44.50

Buy the cardigan for $49.50 and get this flattering Puff Sleeve Square Neck Sweater for $22.50.

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Now comes the really fun stuff – where if you’re lucky and act quickly, you can get unheard of deals on brands from Valentino to Hanky Panky, from Theory to Porridge, from Burberry Prosum to Shoshanna.

With some sites you get a credit for every friend who joins, with some for the first purchase they make, and with some – both. Hi, I’m Dinsquared and I’m your friend. :)

Shoshanna Quilted Shift Dress at Rue La La

My absolute favorite is Rue La La. Every day at 11:00 a.m. EST two or three new brand boutiques open.

Get there early. Prices are crazy low and items sell out in the blink of an eye.

For instance, at their Final Sale this $395 quilted Shoshanna shift could have been yours for $99. No lie.

I can’t generate one code or link to share, so if you’re interested just leave a comment on this post and be sure to include your email address. If you prefer, just email me directly: shoppingpr0n@gmail.com.

Vintage Crystal Stone Hinge Bracelet, $64/Alex and Ani @Hautelook

No one can see it but me, and I’ll email you an invitation double quick! HauteLook is the same way, so if you leave me a comment, I’ll send you an invite to both.

Gilt Groupe has even more amazing high end brands such as Ted Baker, John Varvatos, Chloe, and Thakoon.

Smashbox Masters Class-Brush Collection, $45 @GiltGroupe

Use this link to join. You could get half off Smashbox Cosmetics, like this Masters Class Brush set, for $45...

Christian Audigier Pink Faith, $68@Ideeli

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Time is running out on the Ed Hardy sale at Ideeli, but if you were a member you could get designer Christian Audigier tees like the Pink Faith for $68 compared to $110.

Outfit of the Day is back, my little pr0n peppermint, and I need your help! Even fashionistas get the blues. I’m going to show you two pieces that I’ve just bought and you’re going to help me put together an outfit with them. It’ll be fun! Just like those Choose Your Own Adventure Books we used to read. So put on your best thinking caps and dress this mess!

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Me and My Marc Jacobs

The parameters are this: I just bought this Marc by Marc Jacobs dress on sale at Cusp.

(Yes, Cusp! They can’t throw me out anymore!). I feel the need to explain that it has to be taken in a little on top.

Anyway. Me, dress, sale. Yay! It’s a cotton faille – sort of ribbed; the zipper is meant to be exposed and the hemline is a wide band of fabric. It’s my first Marc by Marc Jacobs and my first Cusp purchase. *snif* I’m so proud.

Then this Dooney & Bourke handbag I’d been eying went on sale. The chocolate brown disappeared, and this bright yellow appeared.

Yellow Medium Chiara at Dooney Bourke

Yellow is scary! But I’ll have it today and know whether or not it works.

Betsy + Iya Asymmetrical Copper Necklace

The third thing that I’ll have is my asymmetrical copper necklace that I bought from Betsy + Iya.

Give me your fashion guidance, my pr0n addicts! I have the dress, the bag (unless I hate it), the pink cardigan and the sunglasses (a steal at Loehmann’s). The rest are ideas: Do I mix yellows? Will a jacket look better than a cardigan? Am I completely off my rocker mixing a pale dress with a bright bag? Should I mix pinks, not yellows? A little help here!

The two Moschino pumps on the right are scrumptious, but at $600 /pair they’re a not so much. Have you seen anything similar? Seen anything different? What do you like? No slingbacks or heels over 3.5″, please.

The brown Bettye Mueller pair I lurrrrrrve, but they’re a final sale! And with my fussy feet that’s just asking for trouble. I’m trying to stretch my fashion wings this season, so don’t be afraid to show me something totally off the wall. I’m open to ideas. I want participation!

Hello my little pr0n pop-tarts! Have you ever looked at a clothing or accessories website longingly and thought, “Wow…I really love this stuff. But I just have other things I need to do with my money right now?”

It’s not that their prices are unreasonable in the least, but somehow your mind just…strays from that little clicky button. That’s how I’ve been feeling about Betsy and Iya Jewelry.

Which makes the following information both good and bad news: Sunday was Betsy’s FIRST anniversary as Betsy and Iya Jewelry (well, that’s completely good news). To celebrate, she’s giving 20% offto anyone who puts a favorite quote or favorite book in the “message to seller” section before checkout.

The earrings above me (above here) are real vintage “Love” coins. I don’t know where Betsy finds this stuff, but I’m fascinated by everything she uses. I don’t know if the love is shameless or the earrings are or both (never mind: it’s from the Shameless Love Collection), and I don’t care; her earrings are seriously making me jones to have my ears re-pierced. Damn you, Betsy!....
Last time I showed you the Norrmisima Black Lacy Racy Earrings; this time I’m showing you The Louise Silver Pretties Earrings.

Louise Silver Pretties Earrings, $31.20

Seriously, people I’m throwing a virtual temper tantrum right now because I love silver and would so totally rock these earrings with my platinum blonde bob. But my ear holes closed up. *SOBS*

Enough about my needs; a lot of these pieces are one-of-a-kind, or at least no two are exactly alike, because they’re made out of old silver plate-like filigree hunks. So if you want these, and you should, don’t wait.

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Grand Key Necklace, $39.20

Let’s go back to my needs for a minute. I’m buying something; you don’t throw 20% off at girl and expect her to waste it. But I’m really torn. Option 1 on the right is the Grand Key Necklace.

I love the asymmetry and how graceful it looks on the model’s neck. With 20% off, it’s $39.20.

Asymmetrical Square Copper Girl Necklace, $36

On the left is Option Two: the Asymmetrical Copper Girl Necklace. Take 20% off and it’s $36.

Again, the asymmetry calls to me, as does the delicateness (is that a word?). Quoting from Betsy’s website: The centerpiece is antique victorian gothic copper, which measures 28mm. There are three subtle, delicate sterling silver chains linked to one silver gunmetal chain. The back is a sterling silver clasp handcrafted by me that hooks into a unique hook of chain. The necklace extends farthest to about 20″ .

If any of you buys one of these before I make up my mind, I will cut you. Nicely, of course. What do you think, pr0n stars?

I have to scurry to the gym, my little pizza rolls. One last thing! There is no pay for play here on Shopping Pr0n. Trust me, Betsy hasn’t given me a darn thing for writing these posts! :D If I say I love it, I love it.

Until next time, it was ever so good for me; tell me: was it good for you?

Is your credit card warmed up, pr0nsters? You’d better get it handy because I’ve got the latest and greatest sales and sales codes for all your internet shopping needs. Today in Shopping Pr0n: 25% off shoes at Hayden-Harnett, 40% off sales at ChickDowntown, and save the cheerleader Neiman Marcus, save the world!

Hayden-Harnett Platinum Tejus Lizard Flat

Do you need shoes? I need shoes. Everyone needs shoes! Hayden-Harnett has a new shoe line and they want you to have shoes.

In order to facilitate that process, they’re giving you 25% off all their shoes, including these Platinum Tejus Lizard Flats, which also come in Black and Eucalyptus.

You only need to buy one of Kate Spade’s Spring “Must-Haves” to get 25% off at checkout. Indulge your blogger’s love of all things shiny and patent leather and look at the Pasadena Neda in mustard (mustard!).

Isn’t it shiny? And yellow? It also has twelve card slots, two billfolds, a change pocket and an exterior slide pocket.

At almost 4″ high, by almost 8″ long, please don’t call it a wallet; it prefers to be called a “carrying case”..

Adam Midnight T-Shirt Dress at ChickDowntown.com

ChickDowntown is having an absolute blow-out sale. Use code “ADD40” and take an additional 40% off sale items.

These are final sale items, and don’t qualify for free shipping, but with prices like $67.50 for this ADAM Midnight T-shirt dress, sizes 4 & 10, if you’re a fairly easy fit, check their size charts and go for it.

Hi pron friends, I hope you’ve been well during our time apart. Today in Shopping Pr0n, we’re going to discuss the “Sample Sale”: websites that are devoted just to designer extras and samples. With patience and determination you may be able to find top designers, at deeply discounted prices; they may be new or straight off the runway, but they’re almost always in limited quantities and sizes. Act quickly!

Jenny Dyer London Turquoise Dress

Even if a store is not just for sample sales, if you’re willing to risk losing a piece of clothing, or buy for next year, you may be able to get what you want drastically reduced when there are only a few sizes left.

This turqoise Jenny Dyer dress is from Catwalk to Closet, which is designer samples and extras. I chose it also because it’s available in UK 12-16 (US 10-14ish).

This dress retails for £325, but is selling for £60 or about $85, for a top of the line designer dress. Do you pay for the name with designer clothing? Sure. But you also get outstanding fit, fabric and quality.

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Here’s my first attempt at a suit outfit. This matching thing is harder than I thought! I’m working with a suit by the unfortunately named Hickey Style. It’s a tan cotton/wool twill suit, originally $1095, now $385. The jacket is a 3-button, with flat-front pants. It’s made in the U.S.A., and available in a smattering of regular and long sizes.

Clearance Sale Suits

I picked out two shirts: the dark blue is $89, down from $225 at Barney’s Co-Op. It’s cotton poplin, which is kind of a heavier weight cotton.

With either shirt you could skip the jacket and put it with the pants and these Ted Baker perforated boots from Bluefly, or use the jacket and a pair of dark wash jeans.

I loooove a man in nice shoes, but even I fall asleep eventually looking at them, which is why I like the detail on the top and sides of these boots, size 13; they were $210 and are now $87.99. The shirt has a small navy, white and burgundy floral pattern, and I chose a sky blue, navy and burgundy tie in a wider pattern by Moschino at Forzieri.

If you keep things in the same color genre…it should work. We’ll learn together, my little pr0n papayas!

The other shirt is a beautiful bright blue with alternating blue and purple stripes. “Vibert” is at Bluefly; $54.39 down from $125. I tried two ties from Hickey Style at Bluefly; a brown with white, and an orange with little green army men. :D Men, please let me know how I did here! Would you wear these?

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Here’s another way to wear orange: with green and brown. This outfit ended up having almost an ethnic feel to it. The orange and white tunic is from Tory Burch, a designer whose logo flats became so ubiquitous so quickly that every bone in my fashionista body rebelled. Eventually more of her line came out and I was in love.

Ethnic Casual for Spring

Anyway, the tunic is from Catwalk to Closet and retails for £165, but sells in a Size 6 for £65 (about $90USD). Buy it before I do!

With the tunic, try these Robert Rodriguez Latte Capris (or any capris) with an embroidered waistband (multiple sizes!). Normally $275, yours for $90.89.

We’re working with orange as the main color, and accenting around it. I didn’t intend to put the outfit together this way, but usually colors will be “in” for a season, and you’ll find lots. The necklace is on sale for $98 at Shoptwigs; the flats are Lily Pulitzer: originally $248, now $79 at Simply Soles. Why? Because they’re only in brown, size 6.5. But we could have worn them in green to match the necklace.

Finally this cutie pie of a Kate Spade tote! Usually $295, but at SmartBargains.com for $119.97! You’re lucky I don’t buy totes…

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I always save my favorite for last; this set just makes me squeal with delight! I’m such a girly girl, so anything that makes me feel that way makes me happy. Again, every piece in this outfit just kind of came together. Start with this Chloe (!)A-line purple skirt at Catwalk to Closet. Pronistas, this is a £475 skirt for £99!!!!

Choose from two blouses: the yellow is Juicy Couture: $89 down from $178 – sizes 10-14! The white blouse is from Graham & Spencer at FunkyLaLa (funky!). Originally $250, now $75!! I can’t stop using exclamation marks!!

The cute purple clutch is at Bluefly, and about half-off at $53.09. The croc flats are Sam Edleman’s from celebrity-fave Kitson L.A. Once $95, now $41.

Okay – my favoritest pieces. These adorable yellow/green sunglasses are dvb, which I actually didn’t know is Victoria Beckham’s line. LOL. Bad Fashionista! At £60, they’re still a fun splurge, but it’s better than £165. Finally these pumps! Yellow patent leather Colin Robertson, peep toe, slingback, gradiated 4″ heel for $65 at Kitson, sizes 6-10! Are you ready for this? Originally $345! I wish you could see how excited I am. :D

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Well! Good deals are exhausting! If I’m lucky, I’ll have ready for you tonight Pr0n Plus: The very best in plus size fashion. Pr0n Plus is every Monday, my lovely pr0n addicts!

Welcome to the weekend, pr0n pineapples! On Monday we had 6-8″ of snow here in Washington, DC; this weekend it may hit 75. Change she is a coming. Change is coming to the White House too, where First Lady Michelle Obama wore a black velvet pants suit to a White House dinner Wednesday!

Today in Shopping Pr0n we’ll look at that suit, and the fashion she wore to volunteer later in the week, and I’ll show you options for wearing both styles on your own. Yay!

Michelle Obama Velvet Pantsuit & Flats

Okay, how cute are they? Have you ever seen a happier First Couple? Anyway, I give Michelle lots and lots of fashion points here (I can give fashion points to whomever I want. They’re my points.) Even if I think the outfit is a touch boring, I applaud her for wearing something fashionable and comfortable. Never let anyone tell you that looking stylish has to be uncomfortable, poppies! It simply isn’t so.

I like the cut of the suit, and I think it fits her well although I’m not a huge fan of the skinny ankle/baggy thigh thing that’s going on here. I like the 3/4 length sleeves, the cuff bracelet, and the brooch. Where the outfit loses me is the black thing that’s underneath. I really would have liked something else here, maybe a blouse or a cami, but not more black.

What are your options for wearing this style? Let’s look.

Pant Suit Options - Based on Mrs. Obama's Black Velvet Pant Suit

Remember that velvet is usually a winter fabric, and it’s tough to wear. It’s a testament to how fit the First Lady is that she makes this work. What I’ve found are several well cut tuxedo jackets and pants, all available at Bluefly.com. Most of these are in “sateen”, which will look crisp and a little shiny. A little shiny is okay for evening.

For underneath, the one piece of all black I chose is this incredible stretch satin black bustier from D&G by Dolce & Gabbana. The pink and gold lace camisoles are both from Leigh Bantivoglio at Bluefly.com. There’s a wide selection and they’re all stunning.

Also take a moment to see the Armani Collezioni Asian Print Camisole at Nordstrom. We should all be so lucky to have one exquisite piece like this. Finally I chose a super long double strand of grey pearls – but anything delicate and/or shiny would work- and a couple of fun brooches.

It’s actually a super easy look to put together according to your style preferences and price point. Wear any delicate shoe: dressy sandals, flats or heels, preferably in black or a metallic.

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On Thursday, Mrs. Obama volunteered her time serving food at Miriam’s Kitchen, an invaluable resource in Washington that provides meals, case management services and housing support. Michelle almost hit 100%, wearing a v-neck pink cardigan with a white ruffled shirt underneath, a pair of black pants, and a red and clear belt with brown pumps.

Michelle Obama's outfit at Miriam's Kitchen

I love the look of this outfit. She’s chic and casual and looks very much her. The cardigan is a great color for her, I like the contrast of the white shirt against her skin, and the pants (which you can see here) are a good style and fit. But the belt. OH the belt. WHY??? What IS that??? It’s clear and it’s red and it’s awful! I thought stuff like that went out in the ’80s! I weep, pr0n stars. I weep.

Let’s look at how easy this outfit is to put together on your own.

Recreating First Lady's Outfit from Miriam's Kitchen

I found a bright pink plus-size v-neck cardigan from Calvin Klein at Bloomingdales, brown wool wide-leg pants at Bluefly from Susana Monaco, the white ruffle shirt is Banana Republic. I have to talk about these shoes! I want these shoes! They’re from SimplySoles.com, and the designer is Chie Mihara. “Saco” is $99, they’re 3.5″ heels, made in Spain and OMG they’re near my house! *squeals with delight* Sorry, I digress. The belt is Cole-Haan, from Nordstrom. Cole-Haan knows leather.

Actually, everything in this set is under $100, except for the pants which are $101 and change, I think. You could get every piece here for under $50 – piece of cake. Try Target, try H&M, try the Limited, and stalk sales.

Just the other day I was at Loehmann’s and I got my very first piece of Lily Pulitzer: a sweater in the same pink as above which retailed for $158; I got it for $40. Patience and persistence are virtues. :)

.Congratulations! Now you look just like Michelle Obama! Or…mostly. Except for that whole First Lady thing.